“Electrifying Abs”
August 16, 2010
Physical therapists and chiropractors sometimes use electrical-stimulation devices to rehabilitate damaged or weakened muscles. I have had this therapy on my ongoing injured shoulder. Nevertheless, there are professionals and companies outside the therapy world who claim that electrical stimulation can also help individuals develop “six-pack abs.” Devices come in various forms, from patches to belts, and promise users a non-exercise method for dropping weight. But is it really possible that these small machines can live up to the large claims? According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, the answer is yes and no.
In the study, scientists electrically stimulated the abdominal regions of 24 adults 5 days per week for 8 weeks. The main focus was to determine the quantity of abdominal muscle activation and any resulting body composition changes affecting muscle definition.
When the study was completed, all subjects described that their abdominals felt “toned” and “firmed,” and 54% “felt an improvement in their posture.” Unfortunately, there were no differences in body weight, body mass index, or skinfold thickness over the course of the study. However, subjects experienced a 58% increase in abdominal strength and a 100% increase in abdominal endurance.
So it’s up to you. Are you up for good old fashioned exercises for the abdominals or do you think these devices follow through on their promises?
Ginger and Ayurvedic Benefits
August 9, 2010
Ayurvedic medicine is India’s form of ancient medicine. It works on a system of balancing the body’s internal energies by looking at the different temperatures that go inside us. According to this practice, ginger is one of the best foods you can eat.
Because ginger has been around so long, both ancient and modern medicine believes that ginger has numerous benefits. It has anti-cancer properties, great for digestion, and can relieve car sickness by settling the stomach.
Try this tea recipe and enjoy the ginger in your diet!
Lemon Ginger Honey Tea:
Boil water with kettle
Pour water into cup and add 2-3 slices of ginger.
1 teaspoon of honey
1/4 – 1/2 lemon squeezed
Allow to steep for 2-3minutes before drinking. Enjoy this healthy savory drink.
Power Apple Pancakes with Raspberries
August 4, 2010
This is one of my favorite healthy breakfast treats. It is filled with protein and has low carb options. These pancakes are fast, easy to cook, and perfect for an on-the-go meal.
1/4 Liquid Eggwhites
1/2c Oatmeal
3Tbl Nutiva Organic Shelled Hemp Seeds
2Tbl Trader Joe’s Apple Bread Mix
1tsp cinnamon (optional)
2 packets Xylitol (optional for a sweeter flavor)
Mix the ingredients together while you heat a nonstick skillet. Mixture will be thick, but you can add more eggwhites to make thinner pancakes.
Pour approximately 1tlbl of mixture for each pancake. Lightly brown on each side. Recipe makes about 7-8 pancakes. Garnish with raspberries or by themselves. Serve immediately with Pure Maple Syrup, Agave Syrup, or sugar-free syrup. Enjoy!
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